Wallander

[Mad Doug Biker]

'Spose I am biased. I prefer Krister Hennikson to Kenneth Branagh.

Yes Wallander is a very human character and Krister brings that out in a quiet understated way. Certainly when I was reading the books, that's who I has pictured in my mind as Wallander.

I prefer the Branagh ones myself - more interesting and true to the books

Maybe they are, I haven't seen many of the Brannah ones, but I can certainly picture Krister when I read the books.

I love the books - well worth checking out. Somehow, the brooding tension that a really good police novel needs fits perfectly with the lifestyle of Wallender and his team.
Wallender and his team in the books just slowly live their lives in a strangely solitary but believable way, in an already brooding, foggy land. They never even seem to socialise properly - even invite each other round for a meal - despite getting on well at work.

Yes as I say, they are very human in a normal, unremarkable way (although I found the second book, The Dogs Of Riga slightly over the top in parts, but hey, what do I know about Communist era Riga??).

You try living in Sweden for 14 years and you'll understand!

We went on holiday to Denmark in 1990, and found that hardly anyone spoke to us, it was all rather strange. We were told that apparently people can wait at the same bus stop for 20 years and never speak to each other.

That's what I like Dayvo - the little details of Wallender's life in the books.
I love all those tiny details and they fit perfectly with a detective I think.

He seems obsessed by the weather, but it helps set the scene, and also, is it physically possible to drink as much coffe as he does??

though Jussi the dog was very handsome, I'm not sure Kurt's a dog person....

Reading the books, Kurt is at a turning point in his life regarding lifestyle and is obviously warm hearted and open minded enough, so I can just about imagine him having a dog, even though he also seems like the type who would leave Jussi with Ebba at the station whilst he's out on call because he cares for Jussi and knows Ebba does too.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

What's more, Wallander often makes mistakes, is wrong and is ignorant of things, but he owns up, admits he's wrong and openly admits he doesn't know everything.

That alone is a joy to read.

I certainly prefer his down to earthness over the likes of Poiroit, Sherlock Homes and others who somehow don't even seem to be human.

 

[Saddle bum]

I like the Swedish ones. The character development means it is centered not just on Wallander. Very enjoyable TV.

 

[rich p]

Branagh just can't hide his luvviness. He always sounds looks like he's trying too hard to be a great actorrrr in Olivieresque style. In ny very very humble opinion!

I blame Henry V

 

[rich p]

Anybody seen any of the straight novel adaptations that were done in Sweden long before the Branagh ones, with Rolf Lassgard as Wallander?

Excellent one-upmanship, Uncle. My compliments!

 

[byegad]

I've been thoroughly enjoying the Swedish series. Why we have to put up with rubbish USofA made stuff when programmes of this quality are made so close to home I don't know. With enough enthusiasm it would be possible to dub them into English for the great unwashed who cannot be bothered to read subtitles. We're constantly picking up Swedish phrases which we use too.

 

[swee'pea99]

No one has to put up with rubbish from anywhere. There's always the off button. (And there's a lot of really good stuff comes from America, too, if it comes to that.)

 

[User169]

We're constantly picking up Swedish phrases which we use too.

Judicious use of "Can you hear the drums Fernando?" can liven up any flagging conversation!

 

[Dayvo]

Rolf Lassgard is a good actor but I can't see him as Inspector Wallander somehow - he's a bit too good-looking for a start!

Rolf Lassgård is a very good actor.

If you get the chance have a look at this film from 1997 - recommended.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunters_(1996_film)

A sequel to this is being released next year.

 

[Dayvo]

For some reason the above link isn't working, but if you're interested, just click on 'The Hunters (1996 film)'

 

[Dayvo]

Yes, I saw it at the cinema and it's a bloody good film. Dark! Is he going to be in the sequel?

Yes, with Peter Stormare. It's coming out (in Sweden first, I think) at the end of January 2011.

How's your Swedish?

http://www.bio.nu/film/?id=101500

 

[Dayvo]

Null points! But actually I understood most of that (I speak German and Dutch) - thanks.

Yeah, my German has 'improved' since having learnt Swedish and Norwegian.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

At last! They're going to be showing the Rolf Lassgård ones starting tonight on BBC4. I've already set the foxsat...

Excellent, thanks for the heads up - where the foxsat?!

 

[rich p]

I've already slashed both wrists watching the other 2 series. I'm running out of bits to slash


Any suggestions gratefully received....

 

[Archie_tect]

Garment Rending a speciality...

The Swedish landscape reminds me of the Cumbrian coast north of Workington... bleak and depressed!